On February 18, a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) navy helicopter conducted dangerous maneuvers in airspace above Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea, converging on a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aircraft on routine patrol. At one point, the two planes were only three meters apart, causing a hazardous situation for the Philippine aircraft.
Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun stressed Jan. 22 that tourism is an element of Taiwan’s soft power and urged ministries and agencies to work together to bolster the country’s sustainable tourism.
An international workshop on combating new psychoactive substances and tracing illicit financial flows kicked off Jan. 21 in Taipei City under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Premier Cho Jung-tai said Jan. 20 that the government is sparing no effort to protect the safety of all Coast Guard Administration staff as they continue to safeguard Taiwan’s coastal security and sovereignty.
Premier Cho Jung-tai committed the government to offer direct support and service to assist micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun attended a forum on net zero emissions and industry transition Jan. 10 in Taipei City, highlighting the government’s commitment to decelerating carbon emissions.
In response to a question at the Regional Outlook Forum 2025 held on January 9 by Singaporean think tank the Yusof Ishak Institute, Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo stated that the Philippines held a staunch position that the Taiwan Strait issue should be resolved through peaceful means. The Philippines is located close to Taiwan and hundreds of thousands of Filipinos live and work in Taiwan.
Last year’s New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program ended with a ceremony Jan. 7 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening mutual understanding and people-to-people connections with NSP target countries.
At the Cabinet’s weekly meeting Thursday, Premier Cho Jung-tai received a National Science and Technology Council briefing on a plan to create a “new Silicon Valley” in the greater southern region of Taiwan. The premier said the plan will drive a new vision for southern Taiwan, noting that advancements in technology are opening up new opportunities for domestic industries.
A new set of guidelines to achieve a smart country is to be launched in the first half of 2025, underscoring the government’s commitment to forging a digitalized society.
